James Grier

James Grier (born 1974

Early life James Grier was born in 1974, to Sara and John Grier. His father was an NHS GP, and his mother was a nurse who went on to become President of Plymouth Age Concern. this was later promoted to Master of Arts (MA) as per tradition. He then trained for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, an evangelical theological college, after working as lay-assistant at St Aldate's Church for a year.

Ordained ministry Grier was ordained in the Church of England in 1998.

Episcopal ministry It was announced on 6 July 2022 that James Grier would be the next Bishop of Plymouth. On 29 September 2022, he was consecrated as the eleventh Bishop of Plymouth by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, at Westminster Abbey, the first new bishop to swear an oath of allegiance to King Charles III.

Views In 2023, in a pastoral letter from the bishops of the Diocese of Exeter (including Grier), it was stated that they welcome "the proposed prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and God's blessing for same sex couples": this was in reaction to the Living in Love and Faith process that concluded with the suggestion that the Church of England would introduce a service of blessing for same sex couples.

Personal life

He is married to Rev Dr Liz Grier, an academic and musician, who is currently curate at St Mellitus College Plymouth. They have two sons.

Styles

The Reverend James Grier (1999–2020) The Reverend Prebendary James Grier (2020–2022) The Right Reverend James Grier (2022–present)